What How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK Is Your Next Big Obsession? How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time, ask your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.

A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They will request documents, such as childhood records and school reports are often requested.

Find a psychiatrist

Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurance company to determine the status. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through a private provider. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain a diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You will need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.


Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is essential to be comfortable with your doctor but you should not settle for less.

Your doctor could recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England you have the option of choosing where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can use your right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times.

Ask your doctor

If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be happy to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the clinical interview. This is to help provide a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.

Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out the template and present it to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.

If your GP will agree to refer you, you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is vital, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life at present. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've performed in various aspects of your life.

After a diagnosis is made the doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for ongoing care. If you're a student at a university, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.

There are many professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that diagnosing adhd uk don't grow out of ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a specialist who can listen and understand your situation.

Right to Pick

If you reside in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose the provider. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement that a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you also know the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more details.

You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.

You should also ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different GP.

You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD evaluated. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.

Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.

Private Assessment

You can refer yourself to an assessment privately in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly for women as well as people of color and those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can provide to the GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.

A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often beneficial if you have someone in your family or a close friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you an assessment.

They will inform you if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you why and you can ask them to refer you again.

After you have received a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to sign a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.

Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other options that can help with your symptoms. If you're a university student, for example, you can request an assessment. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students the'Allowance.